Framing Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A framing apparatus ( 10 ) and a kit of parts to form a framing apparatus, in which an image ( 32 ) is mounted for display purposes. The framing apparatus ( 10 ) comprises a first section ( 12 ) arranged to provide an upper continuous perimeter to the apparatus ( 10 ); a second section ( 14 ) arranged to provide a lower continuous perimeter to the apparatus ( 10 ), the second section ( 14 ) located behind and spaced apart from the first section ( 12 ); and a supporting spacer ( 16 ) located between the first and second sections ( 12, 14 ), the supporting spacer ( 16 ) set back from an outer edge ( 30 ) of the upper continuous perimeter of the framing apparatus ( 10 ).

The present invention relates to image display apparatus and more specifically to a framing apparatus in which is mounted an image for display purposes. The framing apparatus provides upper and lower sections separated to provide a channel around a perimeter thereof for ease of mounting and reduced material costs in manufacturing.

A traditional framing arrangement, A, is shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. FIG. 1 a is a cross sectional side view of the arrangement and shows a frame B with a flange C. An image D and mounting sheet E are held between a glass piece F and backing panel G, the backing G being held in place with clips H at the bottom and by the flange C of the frame B at the top. The image D is secured to the mounting sheet E and the inner perimeter of the mounting sheet E defines an image area I where the image is viewable. The frame B is constructed of four machined batons J, typically constructed of timber. The batons J are mitred at the corners K to provide a continuous perimeter to the image I. Each baton J has a side wall M, of sufficient depth to provide an overlap portion L to secure the glass F, and contain all the mounting pieces E-G, between the overlap L and the clips H.

In modern interior design, wooden frames are not as popular and designers are now seeking metal frames which give clean lines and reflective properties to enhance the images on display. It is impractical and too expensive to construct the batons from solid pieces of metals such as aluminium. Instead, a timber baton is constructed and sheets of aluminium or other metals are laid over the timber. This is a difficult process. Alternatively, the batons are replaced with folded metal arrangements. The gauge of metal must be carefully selected to be sufficiently flexible to fold, but have a rigidity to support the mounting pieces and be handled when complete. Accordingly, these frames are also difficult and costly to manufacture.

Traditional frames also provide disadvantages when larger frames are being hung on a wall. The frame is supported by placing hands around the batons, typically at the base and to one side of the frame. As ones hands are located on the back surface G of the frame, the apparatus A cannot be held flush to the wall to determine if it is correctly aligned or allow one to see how the apparatus would look when arranged on the wall. Similar difficulties exist if a fixing mount is arranged on the wall and the apparatus must be positioned and hung from it. The apparatus is typically tilted to rest the top baton on the wall while one attempts to ‘see’ behind the apparatus and align the fixing mounts. Thus mounting a traditional frame on a wall can be frustrating and time consuming.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a framing apparatus which can be economically constructed from expensive materials such as metal.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a framing apparatus which is easier to hang on a wall than the prior art image display apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a framing apparatus in which an image is mounted for display purposes, the framing apparatus comprising a first section arranged to provide an upper continuous perimeter to the apparatus; a second section arranged to provide a lower continuous perimeter to the apparatus, the second section located behind and spaced apart from the first section; and a supporting spacer located between the first and second sections, the supporting spacer set back from an outer edge of the upper continuous perimeter of the framing apparatus.

In this way, the framing apparatus can be constructed from two sheets of material, thus reducing the costs to manufacture from materials such as metals. Additionally, the gap created between the two sections allows a user to place their hands around the first section only to lift the apparatus and hold it against a wall. In this way, the second section can be held flush against a wall for easier alignment and mounting.

Preferably, the first and second sections are formed from sheet material. In this way, the first and second sections can be formed from metals, metal alloys and new materials such as Perspex® or other solid resin. Preferably the sheet materials have sufficient rigidity to support the image. The sheets may be of heavy gauge as there is advantageously no requirement for them to be folded.

Preferably the first section has a portion removed from a centre thereof to provide an image display area. In this way, the first section surrounds and frames the image display area. Alternatively, the image may be mounted upon an upper surface of the first section. In this way, any image size or shape can be ‘framed’.

Preferably, the first and second sections are formed of the same material. More preferably the first and second sections have the same outer dimensions so that the first section entirely overlaps the second section. Alternatively, the second section extends beyond the outer edge of the first section. In this embodiment, the first section can appear to float above the second section, to enhance the aesthetic presentation of the image.

Preferably the supporting spacer is a continuous strip having a wall extending from a rear surface of the first section to an upper surface of the second section. More preferably, the supporting spacer is formed of the same material as the first and second sections. Alternatively, the supporting spacer may be of a different material to highlight its presence.

Preferably there are one or more markings on the supporting spacer, the markings providing an alignment guide on the framing apparatus. In this way, when the apparatus is hung, the markings can provide a guide to positions of the apparatus, for example in the centre at the top. Preferably, the one or more markings are spaced around the apparatus. Advantageously the markings are provided as embellishments to the framing apparatus. The markings may be studs, pins, or indents in the supporting spacer.

The framing apparatus may include an image to be displayed. More preferably the framing apparatus is a frame for a display apparatus as described in UK Patent GB 2424832B which is incorporated herein by reference. GB2424832 describes an image display apparatus which includes a frame and a support member having a raised portion upon which an image, such as a photograph, can be mounted. Securing means are provided for securing the frame to the support member such that the frame surrounds the raised portion. The area of the raised portion may be smaller than the inner area of the frame to provide a gap between the frame and the raised portion, to give the impression of the image floating in the frame. The image may be secured to the raised portion by an adhesive layer to prevent removal for copying. The image can also be ‘front loaded’ for ease of mounting. The image may have a protective transparent film or material on its surface. The material may be clear Perspex®. In this way the first section and the image may have uniform Perspex® surfaces.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for forming a framing apparatus in which an image is mounted for display purposes, the kit of parts comprising a first section arranged to provide an upper continuous perimeter to a framing apparatus; a second section arranged to provide a lower continuous perimeter to the apparatus, the second section for location behind and spaced apart from the first section; and a plurality of supporting spacers for locating between the first and second sections and set back from an outer edge of the upper continuous perimeter of the framing apparatus.

In this way, a kit can be supplied to build a framing apparatus with the user having a choice of supporting spacers, so that the supporting spacers may match or contrast with the first and second sections.

Preferably, the kit includes a plurality of first sections. In this way a user can select which material and/or colour of border will surround the image. The kit may include a plurality of first sections and second sections. In this way, a user can construct a number of framing apparatus from a kit. This may be useful for a picture framing supplier.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing of which:

FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) are illustrations of a prior art image display apparatus with FIG. 1( a) being a cross sectional view and FIG. 1( b) being a perspective view;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exploded view of a framing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) are illustrations of a framing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention with FIG. 3( a) being an end view and FIG. 3( b) being a perspective view; and

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of a framing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Reference is initially made to FIG. 2 of the drawings which illustrates a framing apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, having a first section 12, a second section 14 and a supporting spacer 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The second section 14 is a rectangular plate 15 used to support the apparatus 10. The plate 15 need not be rectangular, but can be any desired shape to suit the frame required. The second section 14 is formed from a sheet of metal. The metal may be aluminium or a stiffer material such as steel. The gauge is sufficiently large to provide rigidity and support to the apparatus 10. Alternatively, the second section may be constructed from other rigid materials such as Perspex® or other solid resins. While the plate 15 is shown as being of unitary construction, it may be made in parts so that the more expensive materials are arranged around the periphery where they will be in view. The second section 14 provides an outer edge 22 which is a continuous perimeter to the framing apparatus 10.

On the rear surface (not shown) of the second section 14 there may be arranged fixing means, as are known in the art, to attach the framing apparatus 10 to a surface for hanging and display. If desired a platform can be arranged on the rear surface so that the rear surface does not make direct contact with the wall it is being hung on, but is spaced therefrom to further enhance the aesthetic aspects of the framing apparatus 10.

Arranged on an upper surface 18 of the second section 14 is a spacer 16. Spacer 16 is an open loop providing a continuous wall 20. The wall 20 has four sides to match the shape of the outer edge 22 of the second section 14. The wall 20 has upright sides to give a height or spacing between the first and section sections 12,14 when located therebetween. While the spacer 16 is illustrated as a loop, it will be appreciated that it could be formed as an entire panel with edges providing the wall 20. The material for such a construction would need to be carefully selected so that the spacer 16 is not too heavy to be supported by the second section 14.

The spacer 16 has dimensions which do not extend as far as the outer edge 22 of the second section 14. Ideally, when the support 16 is located on the section 14, the surface 18 provides a perimeter which frames the support 16 entirely. In an embodiment the distance between the spacer 16 and the outer edge 22 is comparable to the height of the wall 20.

As the spacer 16 is used to support the first section 12, it is constructed from a suitably rigid material. This may be metal, wood, plastic or the like. As the outer face 24 will be on view, a covering may be applied to the face 24 if desired, which can reduce the cost of the materials used to construct the spacer 16. The spacer 16 can be affixed to the first and second sections 12,14 by any known fixing means.

The first section 12 is also a rectangular plate 26 which may be of any shape, but if preferably of the same shape and dimensions as the plate 15 of the second section 14. Like the second section 14, the first section 12 is formed from a sheet of metal. The metal may be aluminium or a stiffer material such as steel. The gauge is sufficiently large to provide rigidity and be capable of being lifted while supporting the rest of the apparatus 10. Alternatively, the first section may be constructed from other rigid materials such as Perspex® or other solid resins. Again, like the plate 15, plate 26 is shown as being of unitary construction, it may be made in parts so that parts of more expensive materials can be used. The first section provides an outer face 28 to the framing apparatus with an outer edge 30, giving a continuous outer perimeter to the framing apparatus 10.

An image 32 to be displayed can be located on the surface 28 of the first section 12. Preferably the image 32 has dimensions less than the outer edge 30 so that a continuous border 34 of the surface 28 surrounds the image 32 to frame it.

Alternatively, the first section 12 may have an inner portion removed to leave only the continuous border 34 having a physical inner edge 36. In this way a hollow or space is created between the surface 28 and the surface 18. The image 32 can then be mounted on the surface 18 if desired. Such a mounting arrangement is used in the earlier patent GB2424832. In this embodiment, the image 32 is sized to locate within the inner edge 36 and be spaced apart thereform to form a gap 38. This can be seen in FIG. 3( a). The image 32 can be mounted on a platform so that its upper surface is arranged at the same height as the surface 28. New techniques in laying images on Perspex° can provide an image which is borderless and ideally fits with the framing apparatus 10 of the present invention. This is particularly apparent when the first section 12 is also constructed of Perspex®. By leaving a gap 38, having a depth to the surface 18, between the image 32 and the border 34, the image 32 can appear to be floating.

FIG. 3( b) is an end view of the framing apparatus 10. Like parts to those of FIG. 2 have been given the same reference numeral to aid clarity. First and second sections 12,14 are arranged on either side of the spacer 16. The spacer 16 is set back from the outer edge 22,30 of the first and second sections 12,14. In this embodiment the first and second sections 12,14 are the same size so that there outer edges 22,30 perfectly overlap. The outer face 24 of the spacer 16 is clearly visible. Thus a user may select a spacer 16 which is of a contrasting material and/or colour to that of the sections 12,14. For example, the sections 12,14 may comprise sheets of black Perspex® and the spacer may be of a grained timber. As the sections 12,14 are of sheet construction the spacer is edged by the black finish on the Perspex° and provides an aesthetic appearance to the framing apparatus.

FIG. 3( b) shows an additional feature of the present invention. On the face 24 of the spacer 16 there are arranged studs 40. The studs are of a contrasting material such as stainless steel so that they are a prominent feature of the framing apparatus 10. While this adds aesthetic appeal, the studs 40 also provide a technical contribution in that they are positioned at the centre point and at geometrically significant points around the wall 20. In this way, stud 40 a, located at the centre top of the framing apparatus 10, can be used as an alignment aid when the apparatus is hung on a wall.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 of the drawings which illustrates an alternative embodiment of a framing apparatus 10 according to the present invention. Like parts to those of earlier Figures have been given the same references to aid clarity. FIG. 4 illustrates the standard components of a traditional picture frame as shown in FIG. 1 mounted in the framing apparatus 10 of the present invention. An image D and optional mounting sheet E are held between a glass piece F and backing panel G. The arrangement D-G is sandwiched between the first and second sections 12,14, with the first section including an inner edge 36 which defines the viewing area in which the image D can be seen. The spacer 16 is located around the arrangement D-G to cover the edges and has a height just less than the thickness of the arrangement D-G. In this way, the spacer does not prevent the arrangement D-G being firmly gripped and held in place by the first and second sections 12,14. The spacer 16 prevents lateral movement of the arrangement D-G by being fixed to the first and second sections using fixing means 42 which may be nails, clips, adhesive or the like.

In use, the first and second sections 12,14 together with a choice of spacers may be supplied as a kit so that a user may choose the spacer material and/or colour dependent on the image being displayed. The kit may have a number of first and second sections also so that a user may make multiple framing apparatus for different sized images.

Once constructed, the framing apparatus may be lifted by placing ones hands around the first section with the fingers resting within the area of the spacer 16, between the first and second sections 12,14. The framing apparatus 10 is of rigid construction and thus lifting the first section 12 will enable lifting of the entire apparatus 10. As the hands are not on the rear surface of the second section 14, the second section 14 can be held flat against a wall. This enables the framing apparatus to be positioned correctly on a wall to determine the best location for the apparatus. Once the wall is marked for hanging fixtures, the apparatus can be lifted in the same manner again and, by using the alignment studs 40, the apparatus can be positioned at the correct fixing points, without having to tilt the apparatus to see the location of the fixings on the rear surface.

The principle advantage of the present invention is that it provides a framing apparatus which can be economically constructed from expensive materials such as metal by using two sheets of the material as compared to the solid sections or folded pieces used in the prior art.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a framing apparatus which is easier to hang on a wall than the prior art image display apparatus. This is because a user's hands can locate between the sections of the apparatus and are not required to surround the apparatus. Additionally alignment markings are provided so that the centre of the apparatus, where a fixing point may be located, is known from looking at an edge of the framing apparatus without requiring to see the rear surface.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made to the invention herein described without departing from the scope thereof. For example, while a rectangular framing apparatus is shown, any shape of frame may be used and the shape of the image may be entirely different to the shape of the frame. Additionally, while the spacer is illustrated as a wall having straight sides, the spacer may have shaped walls to provide a further aesthetic characteristic between the first and second sections. Additionally, while the image is described as a picture, any 2D or 3D image could be used with the apparatus, particularly as a glass cover is not required. Indeed, the image could be a screen such as a computer screen or a television screen on which images are displayed. 

1. A framing apparatus in which an image is mounted for display purposes, the framing apparatus comprising a first section arranged to provide an upper continuous perimeter to the apparatus; a second section arranged to provide a lower continuous perimeter to the apparatus, the second section located behind and spaced apart from the first section; and a supporting spacer located between the first and second sections, the supporting spacer set back from an outer edge of the upper continuous perimeter of the framing apparatus.
 2. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second sections are formed from sheet material.
 3. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second sections are formed from materials selected from a group comprising: metals, metal alloys, solid resins and Perspex®.
 4. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first section has a portion removed from a centre thereof to provide an image display area.
 5. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an image is mounted upon an upper surface of the first section.
 6. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second sections are formed of the same material.
 7. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second sections have the same outer dimensions.
 8. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second section extends beyond the outer edge of the first section.
 9. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the supporting spacer is a continuous strip having a wall extending from a rear surface of the first section to an upper surface of the second section.
 10. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the supporting spacer is formed of the same material as the first and second sections.
 11. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the supporting spacer is formed of a different material to the first and second sections.
 12. A framing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein there are one or more markings on the supporting spacer, the markings providing an alignment guide on the framing apparatus.
 13. A framing apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the one or more markings are spaced around the apparatus.
 14. A framing apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the markings are provided as embellishments to the framing apparatus.
 15. A framing apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the image is on a raised platform and there is a gap around the image, between an edge of the image and an inner edge of the first section.
 16. A kit of parts for forming a framing apparatus in which an image is mounted for display purposes, the kit of parts comprising a first section arranged to provide an upper continuous perimeter to a framing apparatus; a second section arranged to provide a lower continuous perimeter to the apparatus, the second section for location behind and spaced apart from the first section; and a plurality of supporting spacers for locating between the first and second sections and set back from an outer edge of the upper continuous perimeter of the framing apparatus.
 17. A kit of parts according to claim 16 wherein the supporting spacers are provided to contrast with the first and second sections.
 18. A kit of parts according to claim 16 wherein the kit includes a plurality of first sections.
 19. A kit of parts according to claim 16 or wherein the kit includes a plurality of first sections and second sections. 